by Geline Williams

Human embryonic stem cell research has found no cure for anything anywhere in the world. Great Britain subsidizes embryonic stem cell research by one billion dollars. The countries of India, Singapore and Korea have similar programs. Human cloning is one of the methods used in these countries to create human embryos from which stem cells are cut. In the United States, embryonic stem cell research is not illegal, at least not yet, and is done in the private sector. Federal funding in the U.S. is limited by President Bush’s ruling of 2001 to the use only of a limited supply of stem cell lines existing in fertilization clinics at that time.

In making these points in Richmond October 11, Arthur L. Caplan, bioethicist, spoke at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in favor of federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. He also spoke favorably of cloning human embryos who would be allowed to grow for a couple of weeks as long as the stem cells would then be dissected for research purposes ensuring at the same time that the embryo would not be implanted in a uterus where, of course, it would continue to grow.

Dr. Caplan’s belief is that such research if federally funded will lead to cure of major intractable diseases and injuries that plague mankind. It’s unknown, he noted, how long new discoveries would take. He said a California initiative on November’s ballot would set a sum of three billion dollars for funding embryonic stem cell research in that state.

Whereas President Bush restricts federal tax dollars for embryonic research because he says it destroys human life, presidential hopeful John Kerry says he would overturn the Bush policy, acknowledged Dr. Caplan.

Dr. Caplan hailed remarkable new cures resulting from adult stem cell research as well as from use of embryonic stem cells found in placentas and umbilical cords. He believes, however, that these sources, strongly supported by opponents of embryonic stem cell research, are not as promising as what he thinks embryonic stem cells may produce.

Firmly disagreeing with the opposition who regard the sanctity and inviolability of the human embryo equal to that of any human being, Dr. Caplan indicated that he thinks implantation of the embryo in the uterus is when it becomes what could be regarded as a human life. Although not mentioned in his speech, some scientists have surmised even later dates in pregnancy when a human being is deserving of protection under the law.

Dr. Caplan’s goal is to find new cures for disability and disease, the same purpose held by opponents of human embryonic stem cell research. The difference is a moral one. It is in the means.

The Virginia Society for Human Life supports adult stem cell research along with the use of stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord, but opposes embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, January, 2003

* Note that SB1305 sponsored by Sen. Steve Newman and signed into law by Governor Jim Gilmore in 2001 prohibits human cloning, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, in Virginia.

Geline Williams of Richmond is VSHL’s Director to the National Right to Life Board and serves as NRLC Board Chairman.

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, October 2004